Presidential Council Calls for Expanded Ag Research

The “Report to the President on Agricultural Preparedness and Agriculture Research Enterprise," a new report from the Presidential Council on Science and Technology (PCAST), concluded that the United States is the undisputed world leader in agricultural production today, but must invest in more technology to maintain this position.

Dec 10, 2012

A new report from the Presidential Council on Science and Technology (PCAST) said that the federal government needs to launch a coordinated effort to boost American agriculture science by increasing agricultural research investments by $700 million per year and by rebalancing USDA’s research portfolio so that external funding is increased. The American Meat Institute (AMI) reported on the announcement Friday.

The “Report to the President on Agricultural Preparedness and Agriculture Research Enterprise” concluded that the United States is the undisputed world leader in agricultural production today, but must invest in more technology to maintain this position.

The report prioritizes the top scientific challenges facing agriculture, including the need to manage new pathogens, reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint, adapt to a changing climate and accommodate demands for bioenergy, while producing safe and nutritious food at home and abroad.

PCAST recommended that Congress appropriate the previously authorized funding for USDA’s competitive grants program, aimed at researchers outside the government and noted that the majority of USDA’s search and development budget is directed internally (60%), while most other science-based federal agencies devote less than 30% of their budgets intramurally.

Earlier this year, AMI Foundation President James H. Hodges told the PCAST that additional funding for agriculture research was “absolutely critical.” In response to today’s announcement, Hodges said, “We are gratified that PCAST has recognized the essential nature of agriculture science and technology investments. If we are to stay competitive and meet future challenges, we simply must follow through on PCAST’s recommendation to increase research funding.”